Potassium hydroxide - KOH

What is Potassium hydroxide?

KOH is an inorganic compound with chemical name Potassium hydroxide. It is also called as Caustic potash or Lye or Potash lye and is a strong base. It is an alkali metal hydroxide. In its aqueous form it appears as a clear solution. In its solid form, KOH appears as a white to slightly yellow lumps, flakes, pellets, or rods without odour. This compound is soluble in water, freely soluble in ethanol, methanol, and glycerin. It is slightly soluble in ether. It is non-combustible but highly corrosive. It is widely used in chemical manufacturing, cleaning compounds, and petroleum refining.

Properties of Potassium hydroxide – KOH

KOH

Potassium hydroxide

Molecular weight/molar mass of KOH

56.11 g/mol

Density of Potassium hydroxide

2.044 g/cm3

Boiling Point of Potassium hydroxide

1,327 °C

Melting Point of Potassium hydroxide

360 °C

Potassium hydroxide structure – KOH

KOH Uses (Potassium hydroxide)

Potassium hydroxide solution is more conductive when compared to NaOH and therefore used as an electrolyte in alkaline battery.

It is used as a pH control agent in food industry.

It is used in thickening of food.

It is used in chip fabrication for semiconductors.

It is used in the manufacturing of cuticle removers which is used in manicure treatment.